Fiber optic tray systems

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic tray system includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the tray body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear and extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side. The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each of the plurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along a transverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainer features disposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic tray system further includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic module including an outer housing and at least one retainment feature. The at least one retainment feature is interfaced with at least one of the plurality of retainer features to retain the fiber optic module on the tray.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/827,291, filed Apr. 1, 2019, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic tray systems,and more particularly to trays and modules having modular features whichallow for differently-sized modules to be interchangeably aligned andretained on the trays.

BACKGROUND

Large data centers frequently deploy racks, cabinets, or enclosureswhich contain components for facilitating data communication, such asfiber optic connection components. For example, such racks, cabinets, orenclosures frequently contain a significant number of fiber opticmodules, each of which facilitates multiple fiber optic connections. Inmany cases, the fiber optic modules are mounted on trays. The trays maybe movable relative to the racks, cabinets, or enclosures, and themodules may be movable relative to the trays, to facilitate ease ofinstallation and maintenance of the modules and fiber optic connectionstherein.

Currently known trays and modules utilize various rail systems or othercomponents to retain the modules to the trays. However, a significantlimitation of such known designs is that only a single size and shape ofmodule may be utilized with a tray so that the various components of thetray and module fit together to retain the module to the tray. In manycases, it would be desirable to utilize differently-sized fiber opticmodules on a tray. For example, it would be desirable to utilizedifferently-sized modules on the same tray and/or replace a module ofone size with a module of a different size.

Accordingly, improved trays, modules, and tray systems are desired inthe art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a fiber optic tray system defining amutually orthogonal coordinate system having a longitudinal axis, alateral axis, and a transverse axis is provided. The fiber optic traysystem includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the tray bodyextending along the longitudinal axis between a front and a rear andextending along the lateral axis between a first side and a second side.The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each of theplurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along thetransverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainerfeatures disposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic traysystem further includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic moduleincluding an outer housing and at least one retainment feature. The atleast one retainment feature is interfaced with at least one of theplurality of retainer features to retain the fiber optic module on thetray.

In accordance with another embodiment, a fiber optic tray systemdefining a mutually orthogonal coordinate system having a longitudinalaxis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis is provided. The fiber optictray system includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the traybody extending along the longitudinal axis between a front and a rearand extending along the lateral axis between a first side and a secondside. The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each ofthe plurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along thetransverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainer clipsdisposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic tray systemfurther includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic module includingan outer housing, at least one alignment channel defined in the outerhousing, and at least one retainment plug. The fiber optic module isalignable and retainable by movement of the fiber optic module relativeto the tray along the longitudinal axis such that the at least onealignment channel is provided on at least one of the plurality ofalignment rails to align the fiber optic module on the tray and suchthat the at least one retainment plug is captured by at least one of theplurality of retainer clips to retain the fiber optic module on thetray.

In some embodiments, a fiber optic module may be alignable andretainable by movement of the fiber optic module relative to the trayalong the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, a fiber optic module is a plurality of fiber opticmodules. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fiber opticmodules has a differently-sized outer housing from others of theplurality of fiber optic modules.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an enclosure housing a plurality oftrays, each tray containing a plurality of fiber optic modules, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a tray in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a fiber optic module inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of another fiber optic module inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of yet another fiber optic module inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a plurality of fiber optic modulesaligned and retained in a tray in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a plurality of fiber optic modules alignedand retained in a tray in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a plurality of fiber optic modulesaligned and retained in a tray in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another plurality of fiber opticmodules aligned and retained in a tray in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 9, embodiments of enclosures 10 andfiber optic tray systems 11 in accordance with the present disclosureare utilized. It should be understood that tray systems 11 in accordancewith the present disclosure need not necessarily be utilized inenclosures 10, and rather than tray systems 11 may be utilized in racks,cabinets, or another other suitable environment. In particular, traysystems 11 are suitable for use in high density environments, but itshould be understood that the application of tray systems 11 inaccordance with the present disclosure is not limited to suchenvironments.

A mutually orthogonal coordinate system may be defined for a tray system11 and enclosure 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thecoordinate system may include a longitudinal axis 14, a lateral axis 16,and a transverse axis 18, each of which may be mutually orthogonal tothe others in the coordinate system.

As shown in FIG. 1, an enclosure 10 and/or tray system 11 in accordancewith the present disclosure may house one or more trays 12. Each tray 12may include one or more fiber optic modules 60 which are aligned andretained thereon. For example, a plurality of trays 12 stacked along thetransverse axis 18 may be provided. Each tray may be independentlymovable relative to the enclosure, such as along the longitudinal axis14. Such movement may facilitate ease of access to the modules 60 whichare aligned and retained on the tray 12 for connection, maintenance, anddisconnection purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6 through 9, trays 12 in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure are provided. A tray 12 may, forexample, include a tray body 20. The tray body 20 may extend along thelongitudinal axis 14 between a front 22 and a rear 24, and may extendalong the lateral axis 16 between a first side 26 and a second side 28.In some exemplary embodiments, cutouts 30 may be defined in the traybody 20 for various purposes such as weight reduction. A tray body 20may in exemplary embodiments be a relative thin sheet of material, suchas sheet metal. However, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to such materials.

In some embodiments, a plurality of fiber management features 32, suchas fiber management rings as shown, may be provided on a tray 12. Suchfeatures 32 may allow for routing of input optical fibers and cableswhich are connected to modules 60 provided on the tray 12. Such features32 may, for example, be located at the front 22 of the tray, and may bespaced apart from each other along the lateral axis 16.

A tray 12 in accordance with the present disclosure may furtheradvantageously include various features for aligning and retainingmodules 60 thereon. In particular, such features may advantageously beutilized interchangeably with a variety of sizes of modules 60.Alignment features in accordance with the present disclosure maygenerally align modules 60 in the tray 12, and retainer features inaccordance with the present disclosure may generally retain the modules60 in the aligned positions.

For example, a tray 12 may include one or more, such as in exemplaryembodiments a plurality of, alignment rails 40. Each rail 40 mayprotrude from the tray body 20, such as along the transverse axis 18.The alignment rails 40 may be spaced apart from each other, such as atequal distances from neighboring alignment rails 40. In exemplaryembodiments, the alignment rails 40 may be spaced apart from each otheralong the lateral axis 16. In exemplary embodiments, each rail 40 mayfurther extend along the longitudinal axis 14, such that a length of therail 40 is generally aligned along the longitudinal axis 14. Inexemplary embodiments, the rails 40 are parts of the tray body 20 whichare processed to protrude from the body 20 as discussed herein.

A tray 12 may further include one or more, such as in exemplaryembodiments a plurality of, alignment clips 42. Each clip 42 mayprotrude from the tray body 20, such as along the transverse axis 18.The alignment clips 42 may be spaced apart from each other, such as atequal distances from neighboring alignment clips 42. In exemplaryembodiments, the alignment clips 42 may be spaced apart from each otheralong the lateral axis 16. Further, in exemplary embodiments, each clip42 may be aligned with one of the plurality of alignment rails 40 alongthe longitudinal axis 14. In exemplary embodiments, the rails 40 areparts of the tray body 20 which are processed to protrude from the body20 as discussed herein.

Tray 12 may further include a first side rail 44 which extends from thetray body 20, such as along the transverse axis 18, and a second siderail 46 which extends from the tray body 20, such as along thetransverse axis 18. The first side rail 44 may be disposed at the firstside 26 of the tray body 20, and the second side rail 46 may be disposedat the second side 28 of the tray body 20. Such rails 44, 46 may, forexample, be proximate the rear 24 of the tray body 20. In exemplaryembodiments, the rails 44, 46 may be portions of the tray body 20 whichare, for example, bent into position so that they extend from the body20, as discussed herein.

As discussed, tray 12 may further include one or more retainer features.The retainer features may be disposed at the rear 24 of the tray body20.

For example, tray 12 may include one or more retainer clips 50, such asin exemplary embodiments a plurality of retainer clips 50. In someembodiments, each retainer clip 50 may generally include two rollersbetween which a plug may be inserted for retainment purposes, asdiscussed herein. The retainer clips 50 may be spaced apart from eachother, such as at equal distances from neighboring retainer clips 50.

Additionally or alternatively, tray 12 may include one or more one ormore retainer slots 52. Retainer slots 52 may, for example, be definedin tabs which are disposed at the rear 24 of the tray body 20. Inexemplary embodiments the tabs may be portions of the tray body 20 whichare, for example, bent into position so that they extend from the body20, as discussed herein. The retainer slots 52 may be spaced apart fromeach other, such as at equal distances from neighboring retainer slots52.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3 through 9, fiber optic modules 60 inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. Afiber optic module may have any suitable optical functionality asrequired per application. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a fiberoptic module 60 may be a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) module.In alternative embodiments, the fiber optic module 60 may be a patchmodule, splice module, splitter module, or other suitable module (alsoreferred to in some embodiments as a cassette). The module 60 may havevarious internal fiber optic features, such as WDM components, splittercomponents, splice components, optical fibers, optical fiber connectors,etc. as required per application.

A module 60 in accordance with the present disclosure may include anouter housing 62. Outer housing 62 may house the various internalfeatures as discussed herein. When installed in a tray 12, outer housing62 may extend along the longitudinal axis 14 between a front 63 and arear 64, along the lateral axis 16 between a first side 65 and a secondside 66, and along the transverse axis 18 between a bottom 67 and a top68. Module 60 may further include one or more fiber optic adapters 69which extend from the outer housing 62 (such as in exemplary embodimentsfrom the front 63 and/or rear 64) and facilitate external fiber opticconnections to the internal components.

A module 60 in accordance with the present disclosure may have variousalignment and retainment features which correspond to alignment andretainer features of the tray 12, such that the module 60 can be alignedand retained on the tray 12. In exemplary embodiments, movement of themodule 60 relative to the tray 12, such as along the longitudinal axis14 (as well as positioning along the lateral axis 16 and transverse axis18), may cause such alignment and retention.

A module 60 in accordance with the present disclosure can have one of avariety of sizes, and in exemplary embodiments can utilize the alignmentand retainer features of the tray 12 no matter which of the variety ofsizes the module 60 is. Accordingly, modules 60 of different sizes mayadvantageously be interchangeable aligned and retained on a tray 12. Aplurality of module 60 may be provided on a tray 12. Each outer module60 may have the same-sized outer housing 62 or a differently-size outerhousing 62. Each of the plurality of modules 60 may be interchangeablyalignable and retainable on the tray 12, such as using one or morealignment features and/or retainer features of the tray 12 as discussedherein.

For example, modules 60 having varying widths 61 (along the lateral axis16) are illustrated. FIGS. 1, 5, and 8 illustrate a module 60 having afirst width 61′. FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 9 illustrate a module 60 having asecond width 61″. FIG. 4 illustrates a module 60 having a third width61″′. The first width 61′ is the smallest, being less than the secondwidth 61″ and third width 61″′. The second width 61″ is greater than thefirst width 61′ and less than the third width 61″′. The third width 61″′is the largest, being greater than the first width 61′ and second width61″. Modules 60 having any of widths 61′, 61″, 61″′ may beinterchangeably aligned and retained in a tray 12 in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

For example, a module 60 may, in some embodiments, include one or morealignment channels 70. Each alignment channel 70 may be defined in theouter housing 62, such as in the bottom 67 of the outer housing 62. Amodule 60 having second width 61″ may, for example, include a singlealignment channel 70. A module 60 having third width 61″′ may, forexample, include a plurality of alignment channels 70, such as threealignment channels 70 as shown. A module 60 having a first width 61′ maynot require an alignment channel 70, such as because the width 61′ istoo small for an alignment channel 70 to be necessary. Any suitablenumber of alignment channels 70, such as zero, one, two, three, four, ormore, may be utilized as necessary. When multiple alignment channels 70are utilized, the alignment channels 70 may be spaced apart from eachother, as at the same distance that the alignment rails 40 are spacedapart from each other. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment channels70 may be spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis 16. Inexemplary embodiments, each channel 70 may further extend along thelongitudinal axis 14, such that a length of the channel 70 is generallyaligned along the longitudinal axis 14.

In some embodiments when a module 60 is mounted to a tray 12, such as inembodiment wherein the module 60 includes one or more alignment channels70, each alignment channel 70 may be provided on a correspondingalignment rail 40. For example, the module 60 may be oriented along thelateral axis 16 and transverse axis 18, and then traversed along thelongitudinal axis 14, such that the rail(s) 40 are provided in thechannel(s) 70. In embodiments when a module 60 does not include analignment channel 70, the module 60 may be provided between neighboringrail(s) 40. For example, the module 60 may be oriented along the lateralaxis 16 and transverse axis 18 and then traversed along the longitudinalaxis 14 between neighboring rails(s) 40.

Further, in some embodiments when a module 60 is mounted to a tray 12,such as in embodiment wherein the module 60 includes one or morealignment channels 70, each alignment channel 70 may be provided on acorresponding alignment clip 42. For example, the module 60 may beoriented along the lateral axis 16 and transverse axis 18, and thenmoved along the longitudinal axis 14, such that the clip(s) 42 areprovided in the channel(s) 70 and the clip(s) 42 contact the outerhousing 20 (such as a portion of the outer housing 20 defining thechannel(s) 70. In embodiments when a module 60 does not include analignment channel 70, the module 60 may be provided between neighboringclips 42. For example, the module 60 may be oriented along the lateralaxis 16 and transverse axis 18 and then traversed along the longitudinalaxis 14 between neighboring rails(s) 40.

The alignment rails 40 and clips 42, and their interactions with modules60 (and channels 70 thereof) may advantageously facilitate the alignmentof the modules 60 relative to the tray. For example, modules 60 havingchannels 70 may be appropriately positioned in the tray 12 along thelateral axis 16 via the interaction between the channels 70 and therails 40 and/or clips 42. Further, modules 60 having channels 70 may beappropriately positioned in the tray 12 along the longitudinal axis 14via the interaction between the clips 72 and the outer housing 20, suchas via the contact of the clips 72 with the outer housing 20 definingthe channels 70 such that further longitudinal movement is notpermitted. Modules 60 which do not have channels 70 may be appropriatelypositioned in the tray by being between the rails 40 and/or clips 42.

A module 60 may further include one or more side protrusions 72. A sideprotrusion 72 may extend from the first side 65 or second side 66. Inexemplary embodiments, a module 60 may include side protrusions 72 whichextend from both the first side 65 and second side 66. A side protrusion72 may, in some embodiment, be mountable on and thus in contact with aside rail 44 or 46 when a module 60 is provided on a tray 12, thusfurther aligning the module 60 relative to the tray 12 (such as alongthe lateral axis 14 and/or transverse axis 18). For example, when amodule 60 having any suitable width 61 is positioned proximate the firstside rail 44 and/or second side rail 46, the side protrusion(s) 72 maybe mounted on and thus in contact with such side rail 44, 46.

A module 60 may further include one or more retainment features. Eachretainment feature interfaces with a retainer feature of the tray 12 toretain the module 60 in an aligned position on the tray 12.

For example, a module 60 may include one or more retainer plugs 74. Eachretainer plug 74 may, for example, extend from the outer housing 62,such as from the rear 64 thereof along the longitudinal axis 14. Eachretainer plug 74 may be insertable into a retainer clip 50 to retain themodule 60 in the tray 12. For example, a module may be moved along thelongitudinal axis 14 (such as after orientation along the lateral axis16 and transverse axis 18 as discussed herein). Such movement may alignthe module 60 relative to the tray 12, and may further retain the module60 relative to the tray 12 once such movement causes insertion of theplug 74 into one of the clips 50.

Additionally or alternatively, a module 60 may include one or moreretainer tabs 76. Each retainer tab 76 may, for example, extend from theouter housing 62, such as from the rear 64 thereof along thelongitudinal axis 14. In exemplary embodiments, for example, the tabs 76may be portions of the outer housing 62 which are, for example, bentinto position so that they extends from the outer housing 62, asdiscussed herein. Each retainer tab 76 may be insertable into a retainerslot 52 to retain the module 60 in the tray 12. For example, a modulemay be moved along the longitudinal axis 14 (such as after orientationalong the lateral axis 16 and transverse axis 18 as discussed herein).Such movement may align the module 60 relative to the tray 12, and mayfurther retain the module 60 relative to the tray 12 once such movementcauses insertion of the tab 76 into one of the slots 52.

Additionally or alternatively, a module 60 may include one or more sidelips 80. A side lip 80 may extend from the first side 65 or second side66. In exemplary embodiments, a module 60 may include side lips 80 whichmay extend from both the first side 65 and second side 66. A side lip 82may, in some embodiments, be positionable within a slot 82 defined in aside rail 44 or 46 when a module 60 is provided on a tray 12, thusfurther retaining the module 60 relative to the tray 12.

As discussed, differently sized modules 60 (such as having differentwidths) may be utilized with a tray 12 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Further, as discussed, modules 60 may be interchangeablyaligned and retained in a tray 12, such as in a variety of differentpositions. Accordingly, for example, an alignment feature of a module 60may interface with any one of a plurality of corresponding alignmentfeatures of the tray 12. For example, a channel 70 may be utilized withany one of a plurality of rails 40 and/or clips 42 of a tray 12.Additionally or alternatively, a retainer feature of a module 60 mayinterface with any one of a plurality of corresponding retentionfeatures of a tray 12. For example, a retainer plug 74 may be insertedinto any one of a plurality of retainer clips 50 of the tray 12 and/or aretainer tab 76 may be inserted into any one of a plurality of retainerslots 52 of the tray 12. Such interfacing may advantageously alignand/or retain the module 60 on the tray 12 in any suitableinterchangeable position.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A fiber optic tray system defining a mutuallyorthogonal coordinate system having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis,and a transverse axis, the fiber optic tray system comprising: a tray,the tray comprising: a tray body, the tray body extending along thelongitudinal axis between a front and a rear and extending along thelateral axis between a first side and a second side; a plurality ofalignment rails extending from the tray body; and a plurality ofretainer features disposed on the tray body, the plurality of retainerfeatures defining a first module receiving area and a second modulereceiving area; and a plurality of fiber optic modules having differentrelative sizes as compared to one another, wherein each of the pluralityof fiber optic modules is interchangeably alignable and retainable onthe tray using one or more of the plurality of alignment rails and oneor more of the plurality of retainer features.
 23. The fiber optic traysystem of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic modulesis engageable with the retainer features of the tray when moved alongthe longitudinal axis in a first direction.
 24. The fiber optic traysystem of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic modulesis disengageable from the retainer feature of the tray when moved alongthe longitudinal axis in a second direction generally opposite the firstdirection.
 25. The fiber optic tray system of claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of fiber optic modules is configured to interface with anyone of the plurality of retainer features.
 26. The fiber optic traysystem of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic modulescomprises a retainer plug, and wherein the retainer plug is configuredto be selectively engaged with any one of the plurality of retainerfeatures.
 27. The fiber optic system of claim 5, wherein the retainerclip is configured to deform when receiving a retainer plug of one ofthe plurality of fiber optic modules during installation of the fiberoptic module on the tray.
 28. The fiber optic tray system of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic modules comprises at leastone alignment channel configured to align with at least one of theplurality of alignment rails to align the fiber optic module on thetray.
 29. A fiber optic tray system defining a mutually orthogonalcoordinate system having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and atransverse axis, the fiber optic tray system comprising: a trayincluding a plurality of alignment rails; and a plurality of fiber opticmodules having different relative sizes as compared to one another,wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic modules is interchangeablyalignable along the plurality of alignment rails and retainable on thetray at a plurality of different relative positions spaced apart alongthe lateral axis.
 30. The fiber optic tray system of claim 8, whereinthe plurality of fiber optic modules comprise a first fiber optic modulehaving a first size, a second fiber optic module having a second size,and a third fiber optic module having a third size, wherein the first,second, and third sizes are different from one another, and wherein thefirst, second, and third fiber optic modules are configured to beselectively retained on the tray simultaneously.
 31. The fiber optictray system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of fiber opticmodules comprises at least one alignment channel configured to alignwith at least one of the plurality of alignment rails to align the fiberoptic module on the tray.
 32. The fiber optic tray system of claim 10,wherein the alignment channels of each of the first and second fiberoptic modules are spatially offset from a retainer feature of each ofthe fiber optic modules by a relatively same distance.
 33. The fiberoptic tray system of claim 8, wherein the tray further includes aplurality of retainer features, each retainer feature comprising a firstarm and a second arm, the first and second arms defining a receivingarea therebetween, and wherein the receiving area is configured toreceive a retainer plug of at least one of the plurality of fiber opticmodules.
 34. The fiber optic tray system of claim 12, wherein each ofthe plurality of alignment rails is spaced apart from the plurality ofretainer features in the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of theplurality of retainer features is spaced apart from one another in thelateral axis.
 35. The fiber optic tray system of claim 12, wherein theplurality of retainer features each extend outward from the tray. 36.The fiber optic tray system of claim 14, wherein each of the pluralityof retainer features extends outward from the tray in a same directionas each of the plurality of alignment rails.
 37. A fiber optic traysystem comprising: a plurality of fiber optic modules including a firstfiber optic module having a first width and a second fiber optic modulehaving a second width different from the first width; and a traycomprising: a plurality of alignment rails; and a plurality of retainerfeatures, wherein the alignment rails are configured to align the firstand second fiber optic modules in a plurality of configurations, andwherein the plurality of retainer features are configured to retain thefirst and second fiber optic modules in all of the plurality ofconfigurations.
 38. The fiber optic tray system of claim 16, whereineach of the plurality of fiber optic modules is engageable with at leastone of the retainer features of the tray when moved along thelongitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein each of theplurality of fiber optic modules is disengageable from the at least oneretainer feature of the tray when moved along the longitudinal axis in asecond direction generally opposite the first direction.
 39. The fiberoptic tray system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the retainerfeatures comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first and secondarms defining a receiving area therebetween, and wherein the receivingarea is configured to receive a retainer plug of at least one of theplurality of fiber optic modules.
 40. The fiber optic tray system ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of retainer features extend from a traybody of the tray.
 41. The fiber optic tray system of claim 16, whereineach of the plurality of fiber optic modules comprises at least onealignment channel configured to align with at least one of the pluralityof alignment rails to align the fiber optic module on the tray.